The Hypoglycemic Activity of Adiantum Capillus-Veneris Linn. (Alambrillo) Leaf Extract on Alloxan-Induced Male Mus Musculus Linn. (Webster White Mice)

There are earlier pharmacological studies of Adiantum capillus-veneris Linn. which indicated its hypoglycemic activity. The presence of flavonoids in the leaf might be the possible source of the said activity. This study intends to investigate the hypoglycemic activity of flavonoids present in Alambrillo fern on Alloxan-induced Webster white mice. Twenty-five hyperglycemic mice were divided into five (5) groups equally. The groups received the following treatments: group I received water and served as the negative control, group II was administered with flavonoid extract (100mg/kg), group III (150mg/kg), group IV (200mg/kg), and group V metformin (200mg/kg). The fasting blood glucose level was determined at 0, 1st, 5th, and 7th hour after treatment and the data were subjected to statistical analysis using ANOVA.The results showed that there was a significant change in the mean fasting blood glucose levels of the mice after the treatments, reaching its maximum effect at the 5th hour. There was no significant difference in the hypoglycemic activity of the group who received 200mg/kg metformin and those who received 200mg/kg flavonoid extract. Therefore, flavonoids present in the leaves of Adiantum capillus-veneris Linn. have hypoglycemic effect on the Alloxan-induced Webster white mice.

Keywords: Adiantum capillus-veneris Linn., Alambrillo, Alloxan monohydrate, Metformin hydrochloride, blood glucose level